Much attention has been paid to downtown Allentown's tasty turnaround in recent months, particularly the openings of Hamilton Kitchen & Bar, Roar Social House and Chickie's & Pete's, but one non-food business is also readying for its center city debut.

Assembly 88, a seller of upscale men's clothing, footwear and accessories, is expected to open by the end of October at 544 Hamilton St., said owner Santo Napoli, who also operates other Hamilton Street fashion locales The Archive and New York Urban.

Napoli, 41, was inspired to open such a shop because he felt he had outgrown his other stores, which cater to a 30-and-under crowd.

"They do great, but I just felt disconnected," he said. "This store will offer unique, quality men's apparel. It will bring a Nordstrom feel to the Lehigh Valley."

According to Napoli, footwear brands will include Cole Hahn, Johnston & Murphy and Red Wing Heritage, among others, while apparel will feature brands such as Timberland, Tommy Bahama and Adriano Goldschmied.

Assembly 88

RYAN KNELLER

Construction continues at Assembly 88 in Allentown. The 1,500-square-foot store will feature exposed brick walls, restored hardwood floors and historical images of Allentown's past, including construction of the Eighth Street Bridge and one of the space's previous occupants, Kramer's Music House.

Construction continues at Assembly 88 in Allentown. The 1,500-square-foot store will feature exposed brick walls, restored hardwood floors and historical images of Allentown's past, including construction of the Eighth Street Bridge and one of the space's previous occupants, Kramer's Music House. (RYAN KNELLER)

Accessories will range from watches and sunglasses to leather goods and messenger bags.

The 1,500-square-foot store will feature exposed brick walls, restored hardwood floors and historical images of Allentown's past, including construction of the Eighth Street Bridge and one of the space's previous occupants, Kramer's Music House.

The name Assembly 88 is a nod to both Kramer's, which manufactured pianos (88 keys on a piano), as well as the assembly of blue-collar workers who helped build Allentown. Follow the stores' progress on Facebook: Assembly88.